If approved, China may soon be officially declared free of the disease, 15 years ahead of the global elimination target of 2020.
The move marks the first time a country has eliminated one of the most debilitating and disfiguring diseases, and the first ever to eliminate a parasitic disease.
Following China, the Republic of Korea is expected to be the second country to reach this milestone.
Dr. Shigeru Omi, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, speaking in Fiji says, "The success of China and soon that of the Republic of Korea are proof that elimination of lymphatic filariasis is possible if given the necessary levels of political support, adequate funding and public commitment."
Health professionals say the disease, which causes severe and debilitating swelling, particularly of the limbs, is caused by filarial parasites.
The parasites are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The adult parasites lodge in the lymphatic vessels where they cause inflammation, blocking the vessels. This blocks drainage of fluid from the limb, causing significant swelling, which usually winds up being progressive and permanent.
Nearly 1.1 billion people are at risk of infection, with an estimated 120 million people infected, most of which are in the Asia-Pacific rim region.
